Vets v Victoria Legends, 16th May 2015, 2pm

The Ramblers Vets are looking forward to hosting Victoria Legends, a Canadian touring side, on the 16th May. The team is composed of players from the South Vancouver Island Classic Soccer Association which organizes a 23 game recreational schedule Sept to April.  The results of games are recorded but not placed in a league table.  There 36 teams divided into 40+. 48+ and 55+ age groups. There are 142 players 60+ years of age registered with the teams; 5 of them are 70+  Besides the scheduled games the Association also runs scrimmages for players over 60 on Monday and Friday afternoons throughout the year. Players turn up at these times with a white and dark shirt, divide themselves into two or four  teams and play a game without the services of a referee  It is not unusual for 38+ players to turn out for this event.

Teams from the SVICSA play in tournaments or tour  in the US, Hawaii, Japan, Cuba,, Mexico,  Costa Rica and Europe.  However, they find it strange that when touring Europe or the UK, the home of football. they have to play teams compiled of younger players because older ones have hung up their boots.  They find the introduction of Walking football in the UK amusing.

The Victoria Legends FC is composed of players aged 56 to 75 they are in the UK to enjoy a friendly game of soccer followed by a chance to interact with local players, experience the  rich history of the UK and sample real ale.  Their ethnic background includes, English, Welsh, Italian, Asian, Norwegian, Dutch and Canadian.